Join our Volunteer Team
Our dedicated volunteers are essential to every aspect of what we do — from assisting with the care and rehabilitation of wildlife, to greeting the public, helping with hospital operations, and supporting community outreach. Volunteers lend their time and skills across a wide range of roles including animal care, reception, transport driving, and event support.
Whether you're cleaning enclosures, preparing food, answering phones, or helping at fundraisers, your contribution directly supports the treatment and recovery of sick, injured, and orphaned native animals. We simply couldn’t do it without you. If you're passionate about wildlife and looking to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
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Maintenance Volunteers
Help maintain a safe, clean, and organised hospital environment. This role is perfect for those who enjoy practical tasks and want to ensure the highest standards of care and comfort for our wildlife patients and team.
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Hospital Assistant Volunteers
Support the care and rehabilitation of native wildlife. Duties include preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and assisting veterinary staff with the animals’ recovery journey. We offer both rostered and flexible opportunities.
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Reception Volunteers
Be the friendly face (and voice) that welcomes visitors and supports the daily operations of the hospital. Reception volunteers greet guests, answer phone calls, and assist with light administrative tasks that help keep everything running smoothly.
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Driving Volunteers
Provide vital transport for injured or orphaned wildlife from local vet clinics to our hospital, and assist with moving supplies or equipment as needed. A current driver’s licence and a calm, reliable nature are essential.
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Community Event Volunteers
Represent Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital in the community! You'll attend local markets to share our mission, hand out information, and chat with the public about how they can support wildlife conservation efforts.
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Raptor Centre
Support the specialised care of birds of prey, including owls, hawks, and eagles. Volunteers assist with cleaning, feeding, observing behaviours, and maintaining enclosures, helping our raptor patients heal in a calm and respectful setting.
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Driver & Truck Maintenance Volunteers
Are you an experienced truck driver with an HC licence and a passion for helping wildlife? Help maintain Matilda, our mobile wildlife hospital. You’ll assist with transporting the vehicle to outreach locations and events, support basic upkeep, and help extend our lifesaving work across the region.
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Organisational Support Volunteers
Help us spread the word and raise vital funds! These behind-the-scenes roles support our outreach, promotions, and fundraising activities, and are ideal for creative or admin-savvy volunteers who want to make a meaningful difference for wildlife.
Meet Alex, one of our amazing hospital volunteers!
Please meet Alex, one of our amazing Wildlife Volunteers. Alex volunteers her time to help out vet team. She gets to meet and hang out with all kinds of native animals, including one of her favourites, the kookaburra!
Why Volunteer with us?
Volunteering with Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is more than lending a hand — it's joining a compassionate, purpose-driven community dedicated to protecting and healing Australia’s precious wildlife. Whether you’re helping in the hospital, representing us at local markets, or supporting behind the scenes, every role matters.
Be Part of a Supportive Community
From day one, you’ll be welcomed into a team of friendly, like-minded people who share your passion for wildlife. We value every volunteer’s contribution, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Structured Onboarding
We want you to feel confident, capable, and supported from the very beginning. Here’s what to expect:
Apply Online: Start by submitting a short application through our website.
Face-to-Face Interview: We’ll meet in person to learn about your interests and discuss available volunteer roles.
Orientation & On-Site Training: Attend an Orientation session with our Team Leader, followed by hands-on training with an experienced volunteer.
Clear Role Descriptions: You’ll receive a detailed overview of your role and our expectations.
Empowered to Succeed: We believe in setting you up for success — with guidance, encouragement, and resources to help you feel confident in your role.
Ongoing Learning & Development
Continued Skill Building: As you progress, you’ll have access to new learning opportunities in wildlife care, teamwork, and conservation
Volunteer #FortheWildlife
1. You’re Passionate About Wildlife
If you care deeply about the wellbeing of native animals, you’re in the right place. Wildlife welfare is at the heart of everything we do — and we're always looking for kind, capable people who share that passion.
2. You’re Ready to Help
You bring time, energy, and a willingness to contribute your skills. Whether you can commit regularly or just occasionally, your support helps us deliver life-saving care to animals in need.
3. Let’s Get Started
Hit the APPLY NOW button and complete our short online application form— your interests, availability, and any skills you’d like to share. Our team will be in touch to match you with a volunteer role that suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No prior experience is required for most roles. We provide training and support to help you get started. All you need is a love of wildlife and a willingness to learn.
What kind of commitment is expected?
We offer both regular rostered roles and flexible, on-call opportunities. Some volunteers come in weekly, while others help out at events or when needed. We do ask for a minimum commitment of six months to ensure consistency for our animals and team — but how often you volunteer within that time is up to you.
Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. For younger people interested in helping, we offer occasional school or community engagement programs — get in touch to learn more.
What roles are available?
Our volunteer roles include hospital care, reception, maintenance, wildlife transport, farmers markets, and raptor centre support. You can read more about each role above.
Can I volunteer with a friend or partner?
Absolutely! Just mention this in your application, and we’ll do our best to place you together if suitable roles are available.
Is training provided?
Yes. All volunteers receive induction and on-the-job training appropriate to their role. We also offer ongoing learning opportunities for skill development.
What should I wear or bring?
You will need to wear enclosed shoes and comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. We do provide a volunteer T-Shirt.
I have some more questions, who do I contact?
Email our Volunteer Manager Annette: annette@byronbaywildlifehospital.org
How do I sign up?
Just hit the APPLY NOW button below!
